Chapter 42

Refugio, a thwarted plan, a return from the dead…

Emiliano Pesch yelled at Basilo, the worker he used as a spy in the Residence. “What do you mean my sister Rita is at the Residence? She is dead. Has been for years,”

    “I assure you, Ser Pesch, not only is Sera Rita there, but your brother Ser Antonio and a young woman who is said to be Sera Rita’s daughter is also with them.” The worker had not expected Emiliano’s reaction. He had heard the visitors welcomed and the woman from the harem had assured him that was the identity of these people.

    If anyone could validate this rumor, it would be Emiliano’s gossip of a brother. “Joachim, get in here.”

    “What now? I am on my way to dine with Ser Roques.”

    “Basilo, tell my brother this ridiculous story you bring from the Residence.” The spy repeated what he had told, adding he got the information from one of the women of the harem.

    “Well, for once,” Joachim said, “that fool Romerie may had been right. He came to me weeks ago with a story that Francos was getting ready to betroth his son to a woman of Port who was coming with a trade delegation. The foolish harem woman might have mistaken them for Rita and Tony. Women of the harem can’t be trusted. I would not believe anything a true woman of the harem has to say. Their brains are scrambled by joining.

    “I will ask Jose if his son has news of Tony. Jose works in the trade office with Alam. I am sure it is nothing, but another of those rumors that embarrassed us before.”

    “Ser Emiliano,” Basilo said, “I have this information from Sera Josie. Her mind is still sharp, and she recognized her sister. She lives in the harem since her husband died and told one of the waiting women what she saw. She was so happy to see Sera Rita again. Ser, have I ever given you incorrect information?”

    “My sister Josella lives with Morales? How can that be? Why was she not sent back to us when Paulo died? Joachim, you must find the truth of this. I will be shamed if it gets out that I allow my sister to be a dependent of Morales!”

     “Find out what you can from Roques. I will contact Simeo. If she is alive, we have issues with Alam. Why did you not give me the message from Malfe? Why am I just now learning these things? Out of my sight, all of you, fools, I am surrounded by fools.” Emiliano collapsed into a large, elevated cushion, and called for his servant to bring him wine. “Go, both of you. Basilo, you will tell no one this news. You hear me? No one!”